Josh Cann

Castle Rushen's late-16th-century wooden turret clock, believed by some to have been a gift from Elizabeth I, is leaving the Isle of Man for specialist conservation. The rare mechanism, which has remained largely unaltered despite later modifications, was removed after water damage and a ceiling collapse affected its reliability and safety. Cumbria Clock Company will repair worn components, restore the chime, redesign the rope system and prepare the clock for reinstallation in a glazed case, allowing visitors a closer view when it returns to Castletown.

Yn Chruinnaght, the Isle of Man’s annual festival of Celtic music, song, dance and language, returns for a week of events across Peel, Douglas, Castletown and St Johns. The program includes concerts, ceilis, workshops, language sessions, street performances, a produce show and a carnival parade, featuring Manx performers alongside artists from Donegal, Scotland, Wales and Orkney. Organizers say the festival aims to preserve its cultural heritage while allowing Manx traditions to develop in new ways.

Tourism reached a record value of £433.4 million for the Isle of Man in 2025, driven by rising visitor numbers, strong satisfaction levels and increased spending that exceeded long‑term targets. Industry figures attribute the growth to the island’s natural environment, heritage attractions and visitor loyalty, though high travel costs remain a key challenge. Government and tourism leaders view the sector’s expansion as an important contributor to wider economic growth.

Unsafe squishy toys were seized from a Douglas retailer after an Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading inspection revealed chemical, choking and labelling hazards. Officials urged parents to check toys for proper packaging information and CE or UKCA safety markings. Chairman Tim Glover warned that counterfeit products pose real risks to children and advised concerned consumers to contact the OFT for guidance.

The article outlines the historical and constitutional basis for the title Lord of Mann as King Charles III makes his first official visit to the Isle of Man as monarch. It traces the title’s origins from Norse rule through the Stanley and Murray families to its revestment to the Crown in 1765. The piece explains the monarch’s constitutional role in the self-governing Crown Dependency, including Royal Assent for legislation and representation through the Lieutenant Governor. It also highlights the tradition of Royal visits, noting the history of visits by Elizabeth II, Charles, Camilla and the Princess Royal.